Freight rates were raised by 8-14% for transporting coal between 200km and 700km and were lowered by 4-13% for distances above 700km. “During a railway board meeting, it was decided to rationalize the coal tariff by changing the distance slabs. This revised freight rate is applicable from today,” said Jamshed. “About 60% of the power plants in India need to transport coal for 200-700km, where there is an increase in the freight rate. “This is yet another increase for coal-based power plants after the recent increase in clean energy cess and coal price which shall further increase end user power cost.

Source: Mint August 23, 2016 15:29 UTC